Head Coach Brian Kelly

Notre Dame Adds 23 To 2010 Football Roster

Feb. 3, 2010

Und.com Signing Day 2010

Twenty-three high school seniors will have their names added to the University of Notre Dame’s football roster and begin playing for the Irish in 2010.

The 23 student-athletes represent 12 different states – California (two), Colorado, Florida (four), Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois (two), Indiana, Kentucky (two), New Jersey, North Carolina (two), Ohio (five) and Utah.

As listed by position, Notre Dame adds four wide receivers, three defensive backs, three defensive linemen, three linebackers, three offensive linemen, three quarterbacks, two athletes, one running back and one tight end.

Five of the 23 players – defensive back Chris Badger, defensive back Spencer Boyd, wide receiver Tailer Jones, quarterback Tommy Rees and defensive back Lo Wood – enrolled at the University in January and are taking classes. They will participate in Notre Dame’s spring football practices that begin March 26th. The other 18 players have signed national letters of intent.

Among the 23 players are:

– Three who participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio: WR Austin Collinsworth, OL Matt James and OL Christian Lombard.
– Two who played in the Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, FL: WR Tai-ler Jones and DL Louis Nix.
– Three who played in the Offense-Defense Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: QB Andrew Hendrix, LB Prince Shembo and DL Justin Utupo.
– Two members of the USA Today first-team All-America team: OL Matt James and OL Christian Lombard.
– One member of the Parade All-America team: OL Christian Lombard.
– Eight members of the SuperPrep All-America Team: TE Alex Welch, WR Tai-ler Jones, OL Christian Lombard, OL Matt James, DL Louis Nix, LB Prince Shembo, LB Kendall Moore, DB Chris Badger.
– Seven members of the Rivals.com 250: DL Louis Nix (85th), OL Matt James (86th), WR Tai-ler Jones (141st), OL Christian Lombard (221st), RB Cameron Roberson (231st), QB Andrew Hendrix (235th) and LB Prince Shembo (238th).
– Six members of the SI.com/Takkle Top 200: TE Alex Welch (24th), WR Tai-ler Jones (40th), QB Andrew Hendrix (59th), OL Matt James (87th), DL Louis Nix (108th) and OL Christian Lombard (109th).
– Five members of the Offense-Defense Top 250: OL Matt James (78th), DL Louis Nix (199th), QB Andrew Hendrix (224th), WR Tai-ler Jones (227th) and OL Christian Lombard (234th).
– Five members of the Scout.com Top 300: OL Christian Lombard (62nd), OT Matt James (91st), DT Louis Nix (102nd), TE Alex Welch (111th) and WR Tai-ler Jones (138th).
– Six members of The Kickoff Top 120: DL Louis Nix (75th), WR Tai-ler Jones (84th), OL Matt James (99th), OL Christian Lombard (103rd) and TE Alex Welch (112th).
– Two members of the ESPNU 150: DL Louis Nix (64th) and WR Tai-ler Jones (68th).
– Two members of the MaxPreps Top 100: OL Christian Lombard (30th) and OL Matt James (60th).
– Two members of Sporting News’ Top 100: WR Tai-ler Jones (35th) and DL Louis Nix (59th).
– Three members of Tacoma News-Tribune’s Western 100: DB Chris Badger, RB Cameron Roberson and DL Kona Schwenke.
– Two members of Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120: DT Louis Nix (44th) and WR Tai-ler Jones (60th).
– One member of Detroit Free-Press’ Best of the Midwest: OL Matt James.

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (Previous School) Time Signed Highlights MaxPreps
Bio
*Chris Badger DB 6-1 192 Provo, UT (Timpview) enrolled camera.gif View
*Spencer Boyd DB 5-10 175 Cape Coral, FL (Cape Coral) enrolled camera.gif View
Austin Collinsworth WR 6-1 195 Fort Thomas, KY (Highlands) 7:32 a.m. camera.gif View
Bruce Heggie DL 6-6 240 Sorrento, FL (Mount Dora) 7:05 a.m. camera.gif View
Andrew Hendrix QB 6-3 226 Cincinnati, OH (Moeller) 7:35 a.m. camera.gif View
Bennett Jackson WR 6-1 170 Hazlet, NJ (Raritan) 8:39 a.m. camera.gif View
Matt James OL 6-6 291 Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier) 9:43 a.m. camera.gif View
*Tai-ler Jones WR 6-0 183 Gainesville, GA (Gainesville) enrolled camera.gif View
Christian Lombard OL 6-5 293 Inverness, IL (Fremd) 8:30 a.m. camera.gif View
Luke Massa QB 6-5 205 Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier) 7:08 a.m. camera.gif View
Kendall Moore LB 6-3 235 Cary, NC (Southeast Raleigh) 9:15 a.m. camera.gif View
Tate Nichols OL 6-7 291 Walton, KY (Ryle) 7:23 a.m. camera.gif View
Louis Nix DL 6-3 315 Jacksonville, FL (Raines) 8:18 a.m. camera.gif View
*Tommy Rees QB 6-3 192 Lake Forest, IL (Lake Forest) enrolled camera.gif View
Derek Roback ATH 6-3 225 Waverly, OH (Waverly) 7:28 a.m. camera.gif View
Cameron Roberson RB 6-1 220 Newbury Park, CA (Newbury Park) 11:27 a.m. camera.gif View
Kona Schwenke DL 6-4 227 Hauula, Hawaii (Kahuku) 12:37 p.m. camera.gif View
Prince Shembo LB 6-2 232 Charlotte, NC (Ardrey Kell) 7:45 a.m. camera.gif View
Daniel Smith WR 6-4 215 South Bend, IN (Clay) 7:53 a.m. camera.gif View
Danny Spond ATH 6-3 232 Littleton, CO (Columbine) 9:30 a.m. camera.gif View
Justin Utupo LB 6-3 250 Lakewood, CA (Lakewood) 10:21 a.m. camera.gif View
Alex Welch TE 6-5 225 Cincinnati, OH (Elder) 8:05 a.m. camera.gif View
*Lo Wood DB 5-11 176 Apopka, FL (Apopka) enrolled camera.gif View

* not required to sign letter of intent because he enrolled at Notre Dame in January, 2010

Chris BadgerDB – 6-1 – 192 – Provo, UT (Timpview)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team Utah 4A all-state defensive back for 2009 by both Salt Lake Tribune and Salt Lake City Deseret News . . . named defensive MVP on 2009 all-Valley team selected by Provo Herald . . . ranked 10th-best player and second-best defensive back in Midlands region (Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah) by SuperPrep . . . selected to Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100 team for 2009 . . . one of 12 defensive backs from 11 Western states named to Western 100 . . . made 77 tackles and had three interceptions as senior safety in 2009 for Timpview High School in Provo, Utah . . . also played as wide receiver . . . Provo Herald all-Valley selection as defensive back as junior in 2008 as one of only two juniors to earn all-state honors . . . led Timpview in tackles as junior in 2008 with 74 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles . . . made 51 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as sophomore in 2007 . . . earned second-team all-conference recognition as sophomore, to go with all-Valley honorable mention notice . . . led Thunderbirds to four straight Utah 4A state titles, as starter each of last three seasons . . . in Utah 4A state title games Timpview defeated Salt Lake City Highland 21-12 in 2006, Pine View 50-7 in 2007 (defensive MVP of that game), Cottonwood 34-28 in 2008 and Springville 35-6 in 2009 . . . helped Timpview to four-year combined record of 49-3 – 11-2 in 2009, 13-0 in both 2008 and 2007 and 12-1 in 2006 . . . led Timpview to four straight Utah 4A Region 7 league titles, including 6-0 conference marks in 2009, 2008 and 2007 and 5-0 record in 2006 . . . enrolled for classes at Notre Dame in January 2010, joining classmates Spencer Boyd, Tai-ler Jones, Tommy Rees and Lo Wood …played for coach Louis Wong at Timpview…born Nov. 20, 1991…son of Rod and Shauna Badger.

Spencer BoydDB – 5-10 – 175 – Cape Coral, FL (Cape Coral)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Intercepted six passes and broke up 12 others while making 53 tackles as a senior in 2009 at Cape Coral High School in Cape Coral, Fla. . . . gained 516 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns as running back in 2009 . . . named 2009 first-team all-area defensive back by Fort Myers News-Press . . . helped Cape Coral to undefeated regular season and Florida District 4A-12 title in 2009 . . . missed both Seahawks playoff games due to injury . . . named all-district as senior in 2009 by Florida Athletic Coaches Association . . . selected to play in John Carrigan Rotary Classic All-Star game in 2009 but did not participate due to injury . . . returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as junior in 2008 – the first for 104 yards against Mariner and the second for 90 yards in playoff loss to Venice . . . rushed for 1,059 yards and 15 TDs as sophomore in 2007, helping Seahawks to Florida Class 5A regional final . . . MVP among running backs at Schuman’s National Underclassman Combine following sophomore season . . . one of five early enrollees at Notre Dame in January 2010, joining classmates Chris Badger, Tai-ler Jones, Tommy Rees and Lo Wood . . . played for coach Mike Goebbel at Cape Coral . . . born Oct. 29, 1991 . . . son of Scott and Monica Boyd.

Austin CollinsworthWR – 6-1 – 195 – Fort Thomas, KY (Highlands)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

EA Sports second-team All-American as a multi-purpose player …rushed for 1,503 yards and 23 touchdowns on 172 carries in 2009 as a senior at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Ky., while playing as running back, wide receiver and defensive back . . . ran for 229 yards and two TDs on 26 carries in one 2009 game vs. Covington Catholic . . . won Paul Hornung Award for 2009 from Louisville Touchdown Club as top high school player in Kentucky . . . earned first-team Kentucky all-state honors in athlete category in 2009 from Louisville Courier-Journal . . . first-team pick as running back on Cincinnati Enquirer Northern Kentucky Football All-Stars for 2009 . . . Lexington Herald-Leader named him one of 22 players on its Class of the Commonwealth squad for 2009 . . . nominated for Brian Williams “That’s My Boy” Award given by local chapter of National Football Foundation to top scholar-athlete in Northern Kentucky . . . ran for 176 yards (25 carries) and three TDs as Highlands defeated John Hardin 35-7 for final 15-0 mark and third straight Kentucky 5A state title in 2009 . . . caught 46 passes for 840 yards and five TDs as junior in 2008 while earning first-team all-state honors as receiver . . . also played as defensive back as junior in ’08 . . . rushed 18 times for 166 yards and one TD in ’08, returned three kickoffs and two punts for TDs and also intercepted four passes on defense and returned one for a score . . . played safety and returned kicks as sophomore in 2007, intercepting five passes and earning second-team Associated Press all-state honors at defensive back . . . Highlands lost only one game combined over his final three seasons (2007-09) and ranked third on final USA Today listing of top high school teams for ’09 and eighth on ESPN Rise Fab 50 listing . . . one of four players from Kentucky on Orlando Sentinel All-Southern team . . . selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio but did not play due to injury . . . also competed in track as sprinter . . . son of Cris Collinsworth, who caught 120 career passes as collegiate wide receiver at Florida, played eight years (1981-88) with NFL Cincinnati Bengals (earning all-pro honors in 1981-82-83 and catching 417 career passes for 6,698 yards and 36 TDs), and now is analyst on NBC Sports’ Football Night in America Sunday night NFL games (and also does work for the NFL Network) . . . played for coach Dale Mueller at Highlands . . . born Dec. 24, 1991 . . . son of Cris and Holly Collinsworth.

Bruce Heggie (HEGG-ee)DL – 6-6 – 240 – Sorrento, FL (Mount Dora)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Played both offense and defense as senior in 2009 at Mount Dora High School in Mount Dora, Fla. . . . caught 16 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns as senior tight end in 2009 and tallied four sacks as defensive end . . . first-team all-Lake/Sumter Counties selection as offensive lineman/tight end following senior campaign by Orlando Sentinel . . . missed first three games of 2009 season due to injury, then returned to help Hurricanes to 6-4 record . . . named one of top 100 players in Central Florida prior to senior year by Orlando Sentinel . . . received honorable mention all-area accolades from Southlake Press following 2009 season . . . ranks 10th in senior class academically with 4.2 grade-point average . . . named academic all-state as senior in 2009 . . . father Bruce Sr. played defensive end at Florida State from 1983-86 . . . played for coach Chad Grabowski at Mount Dora . . . born Oct. 18, 1991 . . . son of Bruce Sr. and Susan Heggie.

Andrew HendrixQB – 6-3 – 226 – Cincinnati, OH (Moeller)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Completed 103 of 183 passes for 1,242 yards and eight touchdowns with four interceptions as senior in 2009 at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio . . . rushed 47 times for 238 yards and six TDs in 2009 . . . completed 15 of 20 throws for 251 yards and two TDs in 2009 game vs. St. Edward . . . helped Moeller to #5 ranking in final 2009 Ohio Division I Associated Press poll with 9-2 record, losing in Ohio Division I Region 4 state playoff quarterfinal to Middletown . . . honorable mention pick on Cincinnati Enquirer Football All-Stars squad for 2009 . . . named to Offense-Defense Top 250, Rivals.com 250 and SI.com/TAKKLE Top 200 lists for 2009 season . . . completed 158 of 292 for 1,731 yards and 11 TDs with eight interceptions as junior in 2008 . . . started for East squad in January 2010 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C. . . . played for coach Jon Rodenberg at Moeller . . . born Oct. 23, 1991 . . . son of Rick and Jennifer Hendrix.

Bennett JacksonWR – 6-0 – 170 – Hazlet, NJ (Raritan)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Named second-best wide receiver in New Jersey by SuperPrep . . . recorded 40 receptions for 729 yards and rushed 20 times for 350 yards as senior in 2009 at Raritan High School in Hazlet, N.J. . . . also played defensive back and intercepted four passes in 2009 . . . led high Raritan to 8-3 record in 2009 . . . named second-team all-state, first-team all-area and first-team all-Group 2 following senior season by Newark Star-Ledger . . . selected first-team all-area by Asbury Park Press . . . named preseason first-team all-state by MaxPreps . . . scored 13 touchdowns and converted 53 PATs for 131 points as senior, ranking 26th in New Jersey scoring . . . caught 35 passes for 509 yards with four TDs during junior season in 2008 and rushed 35 times for 267 yards and four TDs . . . added two passing TDs, two punt returns for TDs and one kickoff return for a score during junior campaign . . . averaged 38 yards per kickoff return and 18 yards per punt return in 2008 . . . participated in New Jersey vs. Northeast All-Star Football Classic in June 2009 . . . also competed in track and field as sprinter and high hurdler . . . played for coach Bob Generelli at Raritan . . . born Sept. 16, 1991 . . . son of Bennett Sr. and Grace Jackson.

Matt JamesOL – 6-6 – 291 – Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

USA Today first-team prep All-America offensive lineman . . . named to EA Sports second-team All-America squad . . . ranked 86th nationally on USA Today/Rivals.com list of top 100 prep players . . . listed 60th nationally on MaxPreps Top 100 and a second-team MaxPreps All-American . . . listed 99th nationally on The Kickoff Top 120 . . . first-team Ohio Division I all-state pick in 2009 . . . three-year offensive line starter at right tackle for St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio . . . named to Cincinnati Enquirer first-team Division I Football All-Stars for 2009 . . . earned all-league honors in 2009 and 2008 while helping St. Xavier to ’09 Cincinnati Greater Catholic League South title . . . ranked as 12th best player on 2009 Detroit Free-Press Best of the Midwest team . . . a SuperPrep All-American who was listed 78th nationally on Offense-Defense Top 250, 91st on Scout.com Top 300 list and 87th on SI.com/TAKKLE Top 200 . . . helped St. Xavier to final number-four ranking in Associated Press poll to end 2009 regular season – and 9-3 final record following regional semifinal playoff loss to Elder in 2009 Ohio Division I playoffs . . . played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio . . . helped St. Xavier to Ohio Division I state title and 15-0 record as sophomore starter in 2007 . . . led way for St. Xavier running backs to earn first-team all-league honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009 . . . also plays basketball at St. Xavier . . . from same high school that produced 2001 Irish captain and current Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Rocky Boiman . . . played for coach Steve Specht at St. Xavier . . . born April 9, 1992 . . . son of Jerry and Peggy James.

Tai-ler (TY-ler) JonesWR – 6-0 – 183 – Gainesville, GA (Gainesville)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Selected as SuperPrep All-American and 13th-best wide receiver nationally . . . named MaxPreps.com second-team All-American as senior in 2009 . . . finished with 76 receptions for 1,399 yards and 18 touchdowns as senior at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Ga. . . . also scored TDs via rushing, passing and fumble return in 2009 . . . listed as 35th best player nationally on Sporting News Top 100 . . . ranked 40th-best player nationally by SI.com/TAKKLE . . . listed 68th-best player and 10th-best wide receiver in ESPNU 150 . . . ranked by Scout.com as 138th-best prospect in 2009 . . . Rivals.com ranked him 141st-best player in 2009 . . . rated on the Offense-Defense 250 list . . . member of Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Top 50 team . . . selected in 2009 preseason to Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Super 11 squad . . . named first-team all-state by Georgia Sports Writers Association following 2009 senior season . . . rated 84th nationally on The Kickoff Top 120 . . . selected to play in Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., and caught three passes for 29 yards . . . helped Gainesville to Georgia state championship game in 2009 for first time since 1982 . . . rated sixth-best player in Georgia by SuperPrep . . . selected to Mobile Press-Register Super Southeast 120 team . . . caught 81 passes for 979 yards as junior in 2008 . . . first-team all-state pick by Associated Press and Georgia Sports Writers Association following junior campaign in 2008 . . . helped high school team advance to Georgia state quarterfinals in 2008 . . . averaged 19.6 yards on kickoff returns and 17.5 yards on punt returns as junior . . . one of five players to enroll at Notre Dame in January 2010, joining Chris Badger, Spencer Boyd, Tommy Rees and Lo Wood . . . father Andre Jones was defensive end at Notre Dame from 1987-91 and played on 1988 Notre Dame national championship team . . . uncle is Philip Daniels, defensive lineman with Washington Redskins . . . godfather is former Notre Dame flanker Raghib “Rocket” Ismail . . . played for coach Bruce Miller at Gainesville . . . born July 19, 1992 . . . son of Andre and Jones.

Christian LombardOL – 6-5 – 293 – Inverness, IL (Fremd)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

USA Today first-team prep All-America offensive lineman . . . EA Sports first-team All-American …named to Parade magazine All-America team for 2009 as one of 18 offensive and defensive linemen . . . MaxPreps #30 national prospect and second-team All-American . . . played offensive right tackle for Fremd High School in Palatine, Ill. . . . Gatorade Player of the Year for state of Illinois in 2009 . . . selected to Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 8A all-state football squad for 2009 (one of 18) . . . named to Chicago Tribune all-state team as senior in 2009 after helping Fremd to perfect regular season and final 11-1 finish after falling in Illinois Class 8A quarterfinals . . . first-team pick on Champaign News-Gazette all-state squad for 2009 . . . rated #13 offensive lineman nationally by SuperPrep . . . rated 103rd nationally on The Kickoff Top 120 . . . made 32 tackles on defense as senior in 2009 . . . played in 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio . . . named to Daily Herald Northwest Suburban all-area team for 2009 and 2008 . . . helped team average 331 yards per game . . . helped Fremd to 8-3 record as junior in 2008 . . . attended U.S. Army All-American Combine in January 2009 and Notre Dame football camp in summer of 2009 . . . earned special mention on all-area team as sophomore in 2007 . . . played for coach Mike Donatucci at Fremd . . . born Jan. 5, 1992 . . . son of Greg and Erin Lombard.

Luke Massa (MASS-uh)QB – 6-5 – 205 – Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team quarterback on Cincinnati Enquirer Division I Football All-Stars squad for 2009 . . . threw for 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 67 percent of his throws as senior in 2009 for St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati . . . earned all-league honors in 2009 while helping St. Xavier to Cincinnati Greater Catholic League South title . . . helped St. Xavier to final number-four ranking in Associated Press poll to end 2009 regular season – and 9-3 final record following regional semifinal playoff loss to Elder in 2009 Ohio Division I playoffs . . . completed 20 of 28 passes in that Elder game, his final high school contest, for 221 yards and a TD . . . hit 14 of 17 throws for 194 yards and three TDs in first-round state playoff win vs. Centerville . . . completed 66 of 124 passes for 752 yards and three TDs as junior in 208 despite laying in only four games due to collarbone injury . . . career numbers at St. Xavier included 3,496 passing yards and 28 TDs . . . also a starting forward in basketball in 2009-10 for St. Xavier . . . father Gary is former basketball captain at Xavier . . . grandfather Larry Krutko played football as fullback at West Virginia and three seasons with NFL Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958-60 . . . mother Mary is a television personality in Cincinnati real estate market . . . from same high school that produced 2001 Irish captain and current Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Rocky Boiman . . . played for head coach Steve Specht at St. Xavier . . . born Aug. 16, 1991…son of Gary and Mary Massa.

Kendall (KEN-dull) MooreLB – 6-3 – 235 – Cary, NC (Southeast Raleigh)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Named SuperPrep All-American and eighth-best player in North Carolina by SuperPrep . . . earned All-America accolades at inside linebacker in 2009 from PrepStar . . . named first-team all-state as senior by NCPreps.com . . . tallied 120 tackles and 10 sacks during senior season in 2009 at Southeast Raleigh High School in Raleigh, N.C. . . . helped Southeast Raleigh to 10-3 record and second round of North Carolina state playoffs in 2009 . . . scored tying touchdown for Bulldogs as running back on three-yard plunge in fourth quarter of second-round playoff game to force overtime . . . key member of defense that limited five opponents to a touchdown or less . . . named eighth-best player in North Carolina by Charlotte Observer . . . recorded 125 tackles with seven sacks and added 30 receptions and seven touchdowns as tight end during junior campaign in 2008 . . . led Southeast Raleigh to 11-3 record in 2008 . . . registered 110 tackles and one interception as a sophomore in 2007 . . . played for coach Daniel Finn at Southeast Raleigh . . . born Nov. 15, 1991 . . . son of Jeffrey and Tammie Moore.

Tate NicholsOL – 6-7 – 291 – Walton, KY (Ryle)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Caught 28 passes for 455 yards and three touchdowns as senior tight end and defensive end in 2009 at Ryle High School in Union, Ken. . . . one of 22 players on Class of the Commonwealth squad for 2009 by Lexington Herald-Leader . . . second-team 2009 all-state pick in Kentucky in athlete category by Louisville Courier-Journal . . . first-team selection as tight end on Cincinnati Enquirer Northern Kentucky Football All-Stars . . . nominated for Brian Williams “That’s My Boy” Award given by local chapter of National Football Foundation to top scholar-athlete in Northern Kentucky . . . helped Ryle to 9-4 record in 2009, including second-round Kentucky playoff loss to eventual state champion St. Xavier . . . one of Ryle’s four losses in 2009 came to eventual state champion Highlands team that includes fellow Notre Dame letter-of-intent signee Austin Collinsworth . . . played wide receiver as sophomore, then moved to tight end for junior and senior seasons . . . distant relative of current Irish tight end Kyle Rudolph . . . played for coach Bryson Warner at Ryle . . . born March 19, 1992 . . . son of Dave and Annie Nichols.

Louis NixDL – 6-3 – 315 – Jacksonville, FL (Raines)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Named to Florida Super 75 and to Jacksonville Super 24 teams by Jacksonville Times-Union following his senior year in 2009 . . . rated 59th nationally on Sporting News Top 100 list . . . tabbed SuperPrep All-American and eighth-best defensive tackle nationally . . . made 50 tackles and 10 sacks as senior in 2009 at Raines High School in Jacksonville, Fla. . . . a 2009 all-First Coast pick as defensive lineman by Jacksonville Times-Union . . . selected to play in Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. . . . tallied 19 combined sacks as a sophomore and junior in 2007 and 2008 . . . selected to Jacksonville Times-Union Super 11 squad prior to senior season and was labeled “most disruptive” player in First Coast . . . named to Super Southeast 120 team by Mobile Press-Register . . . rated 64th-best player nationally and sixth-best defensive tackle in ESPNU 150 . . . listed as seventh-best defensive tackle nationally and 85th-best player by Rivals.com . . . rated ninth-best defensive tackle in country and 102nd-best prospect nationally by Scout.com . . . ranked 108th player nationally by SI.com/TAKKLE . . . rated on Offense-Defense Top 250 list . . . rated 75th nationally by The Kickoff Top 120 . . . tallied 60 tackles and 10 sacks as junior and named second-team all-First Coast by Jacksonville Times-Union . . . helped Raines High School to 7-4 record and appearance in Florida state playoffs as sophomore in 2007 . . . named to Jacksonville Times-Union second-team all-First Coast in 2007 . . . also played basketball . . . played for coach Deran Wiley at Raines . . . born July 31, 1991 . . . son of Louis Nix Sr. and Stephanie Ancrum.

Tommy Rees (REESE)QB – 6-3 – 192 – Lake Forest, IL (Lake Forest)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Completed 215 of 308 passes for 2,572 yards and 23 touchdowns as senior in 2009 at Lake Forest High School in Lake Forest, Ill. . . . threw for 526 yards and six TDs in one 2009 game versus Bradford (Wis.) . . . also threw for five TDs and 348 yards in 2009 vs. Warren . . . as junior in 2008 completed 195 of 344 passes for 2,170 yards and 21 TDs (including four in 65-52 win over Wauconda) in seasons that ended with Illinois Class 6A first-round playoff loss to Lemont . . . played basketball at Lake Forest until he enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2010 . . . started final six games at quarterback for Lake Forest as sophomore in 2007 . . . brother Danny was junior punter and holder at UCLA in 2009 . . . father Bill is former assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for years at UCLA (1979-93) under Terry Donohue, also has worked in scouting and pro personnel for Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers – after playing quarterback at Ohio Wesleyan and serving as an assistant coach at Northwestern (1976-78) for three years . . . played for coach Chuck Spagnoli at Lake Forest . . . born May 22, 1992 . . . son of Bill and Susan Rees.

Derek Roback (ROE-back)ATH – 6-3 – 225 – Waverly, Ohio (Waverly)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Passed for 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns as senior quarterback in 2009 at Waverly High School in Waverly, Ohio . . . could not play quarterback in three games as senior due to injury so lined up at wide receiver instead and caught two TD passes . . . named first-team all-district by Associated Press following senior year in 2009 . . . played quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, outside linebacker, free safety and returned kicks at different times during his high school career . . . passed for 1,585 yards with 21 TDs as junior in 2008 and also rushed for 480 yards and four TDs . . . started junior season with monster game against Piketon as he accounted for 605 total yards and eight touchdowns in 54-53 victory . . . completed 28 of 48 passes for 422 yards and six TDs in that game . . . rushed for 98 yards with one TD, returned punt 85 yards for TD with under a minute to play in that same game and then completed pass for two-point conversion and victory . . . also added 17 tackles on defense against Piketon . . . played wide receiver and safety as sophomore in 2007 . . . caught 47 passes for 833 yards and 12 TDs during sophomore season . . . recorded 36 tackles and four interceptions in 2007, helping Waverly to 10-2 record . . . named first-team all-district as sophomore by Associated Press . . . received special mention all-state honors as sophomore, junior and senior . . . became starter on Waverly basketball and baseball teams as sophomore in 2007-08 . . . carries 4.0 grade-point average . . . finalist in national punt, pass and kick competition in 2006 . . . father Mike played quarterback at Ohio University and served as quarterbacks coach at Waverly . . . played for coach Rusty Wright at Waverly . . . born Nov. 23, 1991 . . . son of Mike and Susan Roback.

Cameron RobersonRB – 6-1 – 220 – Newbury Park, CA (Newbury Park)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team pick as running back as both senior and junior in 2009 and 2008 on California Southern Section Marmonte League all-conference squad . . . named to Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100 squad for 2009 . . . second-team running back on all-county large school squad selected for 2009 by Ventura County Football Coaches Association . . . carried 199 times for 1,107 rushing yards and 20 TDs as senior in 2009 for Newbury Park High School in Thousand Oaks, Calif. . . . top game in 2009 featured 26 attempts for 186 and three TDs versus Saugus . . . caught 29 passes for 268 yards and one TD in 2009 while helping Panthers to 9-3 record . . . listed on Rivals.com 250 chart for 2009 . . . rushed 226 times for 1,452 yards and 18 TDs as junior in 2008 – and also caught 29 passes for 279 yards and three TDs as Newbury Park finished 7-4 . . . grandfather Thomas Murray Turner is ’59 Notre Dame graduate . . . played for coach George Hurley at Newbury Park . . . born March 13, 1992 . . . son of Marvin Roberson and Tanya Turner.

Kona (COE-nuh) Schwenke (SHWENK-ee)DL – 6-4 – 227 – Hauula, Hawaii (Kahuku)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team Hawaii all-state selection for 2009 as defensive lineman by Honolulu Advertiser . . . named second-team all-state as senior by Honolulu Star-Bulletin . . . helped lead team to Hawaii state championship game and 12-1 record as senior at Kahuku High School in Kahuku, Hawaii . . . only loss came 34-21 in Division I title game to Kamehameha . . . participated in 2009 Hawaii/Polynesia vs. Mainland Bowl . . . selected to Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100 team . . . one of 14 defensive linemen from 11 Western states selected to Western 100 team . . . ranked by Rivals.com as top defensive lineman, fourth-best player in Hawaii for 2009 and one of top 35 defensive ends nationally . . . selected Oahu Interscholastic Association Red East defensive player of year for 2009 as Kahuku claimed OIA crown . . . had six tackles, four for loss, and two sacks, in Kahuku’s 24-20 victory over Leilehua to earn 2009 OIA Red Conference title . . . one of four finalists for 2009 Island Sports Media Athlete of the Year award . . . played for coach Reggie Torres at Kahuku . . . born May 11, 1992 . . . son of McKay and Angela Schwenke.

Prince Shembo (shim-bo)LB – 6-2 – 232 – Charlotte, NC (Ardrey Kell)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

Selected to play in 2010 Offense-Defense Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C. . . . named SuperPrep All-American and 11th-best linebacker nationally . . . rated seventh-best inside linebacker in nationally and among top 250 players nationally by Rivals.com . . . received honorable mention accolades on Orlando Sentinel all-Southern Team following senior year in 2009 . . . played in only five games during senior campaign at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, N.C., due to an ankle injury . . . invited to play in Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and helped North Carolina defeat South Carolina 24-14 . . . ranked sixth-best player in North Carolina by SuperPrep . . . rated ninth-best player in North Carolina by Charlotte Observer . . . recorded 86 tackles with nine sacks and added two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as junior in 2008 . . . made 117 tackles during sophomore season in 2007 and was named to 2007 all-Observer team by Charlotte Observer . . . one of only two sophomores on that team and was joined by current Irish defensive back Robert Blanton . . . helped lead Knights to first state playoff appearance in 2007 . . . became starter on Ardrey Kell’s initial varsity team as freshman in 2006 . . . also competed in basketball and track in high school . . . played for coach Marty Woolbright at Ardrey Kell . . . born Dec. 24, 1991 . . . son of Maurice and Gina Shembo . . . father moved to United States in 1986 from Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Daniel SmithWR – 6-4 – 215 – South Bend, IN (Clay)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team pick as receiver on 2009 Associated Press Indiana Class 4A all-state squad . . . named to Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 All-State team for 2009 as one of four receivers . . . four-year starter as wide receiver for Clay High School in South Bend, Ind. . . . caught 60 passes as senior in 2009 for more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns . . . grabbed nine catches for 175 vs. Mishawaka in 2009, including TD receptions of 30 and 57 yards . . . caught 10 passes for 124 yards and a TD vs. Elkhart Central in 2009 . . . caught 51 passes for 1,061 yards and nine TDs as junior in 2008 . . . also made seven interceptions as junior starter at defensive back for Clay team that finished 5-5 and Indiana Class 4-A sectional runner-up . . . first-team all-conference receiver as junior . . . caught 30 passes for 400 yards and eight TDs as sophomore in 2007 . . . grabbed 49 passes for 800 yards and eight TDs as a freshman in 2006 . . . caught 61-yard TD pass on first play of his career as freshman . . . also a standout at Clay in basketball and track and field (as long jumper) . . . brother-in-law is former Irish safety Gerome Sapp (1999-2002) . . . played for coach Joe Szajko at Clay . . . born July 16, 1991 . . . son of Robert and Vicki Smith.

Danny SpondATH – 6-3 – 232 – Littleton, CO (Columbine)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team all-Colorado selection by Denver Post as junior and honorable mention all-state by Post as senior in 2009 . . . played quarterback for Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., and helped lead Rebels to state semifinals as junior and quarterfinals as senior in 2009 . . . rated by Rivals.com as second-best player in Colorado and the 27th-best athlete nationally . . . labeled as “best athlete” in Colorado high school football prior to start of 2009 season by Denver Post . . . missed four games as a senior in 2009 due to injury . . . passed for 517 yards on 41-for-64 throwing with 10 touchdowns and rushed for 386 yards with four TDs in 2009 . . . also kicked five of seven PATs, connected on both field-goal attempts (one for 46 yards), punted 14 times for 35.9-yard average, intercepted one pass and made 13.5 tackles as cornerback . . . rushed for 178 yards in one 2009 game vs. Chatfield . . . first-team all-Big 8 Conference selection for 2009 on Columbine team that finished 8-4 and qualified for Colorado 5A playoffs . . . played quarterback in wing-T offense and passed 57 times for 511 yards as junior in 2008, with eight passes for TDs . . . totaled 874 rushing yards in 2008 and averaged 9.8 rushing yards per carry with 10 rushing TDs . . . led Columbine to 11-2 record in 2008 . . . named all-conference linebacker in 2007 and also served as placekicker for Rebels as sophomore . . . named Denver Post high school student-athlete of week on Sept. 6, 2009 . . . won seven consecutive Carnation Bowls, South Jeffco (Colo.) youth league’s version of Super Bowl . . . compiled 77-1 record in youth football with one loss occurring as he sat out due to injury . . . played for coach Andy Lowry at Columbine . . . born Dec. 30, 1991 . . . son of Don and Janet Spond.

Justin Utupo (you-TWO-poe)LB – 6-3 – 250 – Lakewood, CA (Lakewood)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team defensive lineman on California Division I all-state squad as senior in 2009 . . . named Lineman of the Year for 2009 by Los Angeles Times . . . first-team defensive lineman on Los Angeles Times All-Star team for 2009 . . . defensive player of the year on all-Southland team named by Los Angeles Times . . . named Moore League defensive player of the year as senior in 2009 . . . recorded 67 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, 29 tackles for loss and forced four fumbles as senior defensive tackle and tight end in 2009 at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Calif. . . . made seven receptions for touchdowns as tight end in 2009 as Lancers finished 11-2 . . . helped Lakewood to final #9 Southern California overall top 25 ranking and final #4 ranking in CIF Division I South by CalHiSports.com . . . recovered a pair of fumbles to help Lakewood end Long Beach Poly’s 80-game conference win streak with 21-14 victory in 2009 and ensure Lakewood’s first outright Moore League title since 1974 . . . had four sacks in Lancers’ CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division quarterfinal win over #23 La Puente Bishop Amat . . . first-team all-conference selection as defensive lineman as junior in 2008 on Lakewood squad that finished 10-3 . . . made 70 tackles and six sacks as junior in 2008 while leading conference in tackles for loss . . . helped Lakewood to CIF Southern Section Pac-5 semifinals in 2008 . . . played in Offense-Defense All-American game in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in January 2010 . . . played for coach Thadd Macneal at Lakewood . . . born March 26, 1992 . . . son of Dennis and Maria Utopo.

Alex WelchTE – 6-5 – 225 – Cincinnati, OH (Elder)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team Ohio all-state tight end for 2009 by OhioVarsity.com . . . an honorable mention selection on 2009 Cincinnati Enquirer Football All-Stars . . . rated #10 tight end nationally by SuperPrep . . . rated 112th player nationally by The Kickoff Top 120 . . . caught 43 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns as senior in 2009 . . . had five catches for 98 yards, including 41-yarder for a TD vs. Trinity in 2009 . . . also caught five for 89 yards and two TDs vs. St. Francis de Sales in 2009 . . . caught 32 passes for 480 yards as junior in 2008, four of them for TDs at Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio . . . helped Elder to 10-3 mark as senior in 2009, including Ohio Division I semifinal loss to Hilliard Davidson . . . selected to South roster for Ohio North-South Classic in April 2010 in Columbus, Ohio . . . 2009 Elder team had been ranked as high as third nationally early in the fall . . . as junior in 2008 helped Elder to 13-2 record, including Ohio Division 1 championship game loss to Cleveland St. Ignatius . . . from same high school as current Irish tight end Kyle Rudolph . . . played behind Rudolph at tight end as a sophomore in 2007 when Rudolph was a senior . . . starting center on 2009 Elder basketball team . . . joins long list of Elder graduates to play football at Notre Dame, including 1975 co-captain and offensive tackle Ed Bauer . . . nephew of former Irish linebacker Steve Heimkreiter (1975-78) . . . played for coach Doug Ramsey at Elder . . . born Nov. 20, 1991 . . . son of Austin and Lynn Welch.

Lo WoodDB – 5-11 – 176 – Apopka, FL (Apopka)camera.gifMaxPreps Bio

First-team all-Central Florida selection following senior season in 2009 by Orlando Sentinel . . . registered one interceptions and eight pass breakups as senior in addition to 58 tackles, five blocked kicks, and a fumble recovery for Apopka High School in Apopka, Fla. . . . named second-team all-state by SunStateFootball.com . . . ranked 55th on Orlando Sentinel Final Florida Top 100 list, including fourth on Sentinel Final Central Florida Top 100 . . . led Apopka to undefeated regular season and semifinals of Florida Class 6A state playoffs as senior . . . Blue Darters were District 5-6A champions in 2009 . . . led defense during senior season that allowed only 86 points through first 11 games . . . first-team defensive back on all-Metro Conference team for 2009 as selected by Orange County coaches . . . first-team defensive back on all-Orange County team for 2009 by Orlando Sentinel . . . named third-best cornerback in Florida prior to 2009 season by Orlando Sentinel . . . selected one of top players in Florida by SuperPrep . . . totaled 35 tackles, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and blocked one kick during junior season in 2008 . . . named all-county by Orlando Sentinel and first-team all-metro following junior campaign . . . named one of top 10 juniors in Florida and only cornerback listed prior to 2009 season by Gainesville Sun . . . four-year starter in high school who transferred to Apopka before junior year after attending Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando as freshman and sophomore . . . intercepted four passes as freshman starter at Dr. Phillips . . . enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2010 along with classmates Spencer Boyd, Tommy Rees, Tai-ler Jones and Chris Badger . . . played for coach Rick Darlington at Apopka . . . born Jan. 15, 1991 . . . son of Lo Wood Sr. and Diana Biles.